Manual Cleaning vs. Robots: Finding the Perfect Floorcare Balance

For decades, Robert Scott has been at the forefront of professional floorcare, manufacturing Europe’s leading manual cleaning systems. Today, the company also supplies advanced robotic solutions, recognising that the future of clean isn’t about choosing between people and machines, but combining their strengths.

In this Q&A, we explore where manual methods still shine, where automation leads the way, and how the two work best together.

Q: How far can the hard floors in today’s commercial premises be cleaned, polished and maintained with just the use of machines?
Today’s commercial floorcare machines are incredibly versatile. Almost every type of hard floor — from polished concrete and stone to vinyl and ceramic — can be cleaned, polished, and maintained using the right equipment. Machines excel at covering large areas quickly and efficiently. However, intricate spaces, uneven surfaces, or delicate finishes may still require a skilled human touch. The best results often come from a hybrid approach: using machines for the broad strokes, then manual tools for the details.

Q: In light of modern technology, are robots the best way of keeping large areas of commercial flooring in tip-top condition these days?
For large, open, and repetitive spaces, robotic cleaners can be an excellent choice. They deliver consistent cleaning quality, work to set schedules, and free up staff for more skilled or detailed work. That said, ‘best’ really depends on the cleaning regime, the type of space, and the desired finish. Many facilities find that combining robotic cleaning with manual methods gives them the most flexibility and the highest standards.

Q: So, do you think a human is strictly necessary in today’s floorcare industry? What do humans add to the mix?
Absolutely. While robots bring precision and efficiency, people bring adaptability, judgment, and problem-solving. Manual cleaners excel at handling specialist tasks, responding to unexpected messes, and ensuring high-impact areas receive extra care. Robots are great for taking care of large, predictable floor areas, but they still require set-up, supervision, and maintenance – which creates opportunities for cleaners to develop new skills and oversee more advanced equipment. In our view, it’s not about humans versus robots, but humans and robots working together.

Q: Are people still vital for tasks such as monitoring robots, operating machinery and carrying out cleaning in nooks and corners, for example?
Yes, and that’s unlikely to change soon. Machines are excellent at what they’re designed for, but humans provide the flexibility and awareness to adapt to different conditions. Corners, tight spaces, and detailed areas still benefit from manual cleaning, and robot performance is maximised when skilled staff are there to monitor, adjust, and maintain the systems.

Q: What are the arguments in favour of using manual floorcare methods?
Manual cleaning offers unmatched flexibility and problem solving, particularly in tight, intricate, or high-traffic areas where extra attention is needed. It’s also highly versatile;  a mop and bucket can access places even the smallest machine might struggle with. Manual methods can be quicker for small areas, less costly to start with, and require minimal set-up, making them a practical choice for many situations.

Q: Do automated floorcare solutions have any disadvantages?
Like any investment, automated systems come with considerations. There is often a higher initial cost, and they require training, maintenance, and sometimes software updates. They work best in environments suited to their capabilities like wide, open spaces with few obstructions. In complex layouts, they may still need manual support to achieve a complete clean.

Q: Do you think manual floorcare methods can ever be fully replaced by machinery?
Unlikely, at least for the foreseeable future. While automation is advancing rapidly, there will always be situations where manual cleaning is more effective, faster, or more cost-efficient. The future is likely to be a partnership: machines doing the heavy lifting, and humans adding the finishing touches.

Q: What are your latest floorcare systems – both manual and automated?
Our latest manual range includes ergonomic, lightweight mopping systems, often made from recycled materials, and designed for efficiency, user comfort and cleaning performance. On the automated side, we now supply a new generation of robotic scrubber-dryers with improved navigation, safety sensors, and customisable cleaning schedules. Both ranges are designed to complement each other, giving our customers the flexibility to choose the right tool for every task.

In the end, great floorcare isn’t about the tool alone. It’s about using the right tool for the job. Robots can take care of the vast, predictable spaces, while manual methods deliver the precision and flexibility only people can provide. By combining both, businesses can achieve higher standards, make better use of staff time, and adapt to whatever the day brings.